February 15, 2008

Yes, it was just another day in the GAH-den State, which means that yet another state politician has been indicted by federal authorities.

The crooked pol of the day is Joseph Coniglio, a former Democrat state senator and plumber, who was charged with extortion and mail fraud in connection with his arranging for $10 million in special state grants for Hackensack University Medical Center in exchange for a consulting contract paying him $5,500 per month. Supposedly Mr. Coniglio served as a â€œhospital relationsâ€ consultant, although the indictment described his services as â€œmerely a name on a bank account,”

Weâ€™re just skimming the surface here. The rot in this state is miles deep.

Heâ€™s 65 and facing significant jail time. I wish I could feel sorry for him, but I donâ€™t.